Role of lipids in influenza virus assembly
Official title: The Role of Phosphoinositides in Influenza Virus Assembly
Funded at University of Maine Orono · NIH-11321872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist-led project at a university is studying how influenza virus pieces come together in human cells, with the goal of finding new ways to stop infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maine Orono NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orono, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $99,955 |
| NIH project number | 3R15GM155811-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with influenza could benefit from future therapies derived from this research once developed.
✕Less likely to help
This project does not involve testing in patients yet, so immediate clinical benefit to individuals is unlikely.
What this research studies
This project looks at how influenza virus proteins and host cell lipids interact during the virus’s assembly in human cells. Researchers will use advanced imaging, spectroscopy, and computer simulations to map how hemagglutinin and the M1 protein cluster and how phosphoinositides influence these processes. By understanding these mechanisms, the work aims to identify invariant virus features that could be targeted by new therapies. The study focuses on techniques that could translate into future antiviral strategies that are less vulnerable to viral mutations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could guide the development of new antiviral approaches that are effective across flu strains.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that influenza assembly involves host lipids and that targeting these interactions can affect viral replication, making this a promising area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maine Orono
Orono, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hess, Samuel T — University of Maine Orono
- Study coordinator: Hess, Samuel T
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.